Green Bay Woman Found Not Guilty by Reason of Mental Disease in Hospital Shuttle Hijacking

A Green Bay woman has been found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect following the hijacking of a hospital shuttle van at knifepoint. Jerilyn Soto, 47, was involved in a high-profile incident that spanned from Wisconsin to Illinois, raising significant questions about the intersection of mental health and criminal responsibility.

The July 2025 Hijacking Incident

The events unfolded on the morning of July 8, 2025, at the HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center located at 1726 Shawano Ave in Green Bay. According to police reports, Soto hijacked a Prevea Health patient shuttle van by pulling a knife on the driver, who was a Prevea Health employee on duty.

Even as the hijacking was an armed encounter, officials confirmed that the driver was not injured during the event. Following the theft, Soto and the stolen shuttle van disappeared from the area, sparking a search by the Green Bay Police Department. Several days later, authorities located both Soto and the vehicle in Chicago, Illinois, where she was taken into custody.

Legal Proceedings and the Final Verdict

Soto, a resident of Keshena, initially faced serious charges, including carjacking and armed robbery. While she originally pleaded not guilty to these charges, the legal process eventually led to a complex ruling regarding her mental state.

Court records indicate that Soto was convicted of carjacking; however, she was subsequently deemed not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect. Prosecutors agreed with this finding regarding her mental condition. As part of the court’s ruling, the count of armed robbery was dismissed.

What “Not Guilty by Reason of Mental Disease” Means

In legal and medical terms, a finding of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect means that the defendant, due to a severe mental illness or cognitive impairment, was unable to appreciate the nature and quality of their actions or understand that those actions were wrong at the time the crime was committed. This verdict shifts the focus from punitive incarceration to clinical treatment and supervision to ensure public safety.

Next Steps and Future Court Dates

The legal process for Soto is not yet complete. While she has been found not guilty by reason of mental disease, the court maintains oversight of her status and treatment. Soto is scheduled to return to court on June 15 for a status conference to determine the next steps in her care and legal supervision.

Key Case Takeaways

• Defendant: Jerilyn Soto, 47, of Keshena.
• Incident Date: July 8, 2025.
• Location: HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center, Green Bay, WI.
• Outcome: Found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.
• Key Charges: Carjacking (convicted, then deemed not guilty by mental disease) and Armed Robbery (dismissed).

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the shuttle driver injured?

No, according to reports from the Green Bay Police Department, the Prevea Health employee was not injured during the hijacking.

Where was the stolen van recovered?

Both Jerilyn Soto and the Prevea Health shuttle van were found and recovered in Chicago, Illinois, several days after the incident occurred in Green Bay.

What happens now that she was found not guilty by reason of mental disease?

A finding of not guilty by reason of mental disease typically leads to a court-ordered treatment plan. Soto will appear for a status conference on June 15 to address her ongoing legal and medical status.